Bright-Eyed Beginnings

I had my first week immersed in teaching GPM classes! Despite the rivers of trash, Kalwa is beautiful. Many homes are settled in a hill overlooking the slum. Sunlight filters through the bright paper lanterns and fabrics hanging above, creating a colorful scene in twisted alleys.

On my first day, the smiling, eager faces of the kids melted any anxiety I felt as I stepped into the classroom. The children peered at our group with forgiving fascination. Some fed off our energy – waving and shouting with vigor – but some were tentative and remained in corners of the room or in their shy head behind teary eyes.

We introduced ourselves. “Meera naam Rose hei!” (My name is Rose) I said enthusiastically to clumps of wide-eyed kids. Two classes had pictures of flowers with their titles on the wall. I pointed to the rose and then to me. “Gulab!” (a rose!) I added. “Hiiiii Rose teacher” the kids sang together in response.

From that first moment of connecting, teaching continued to be energizing and rewarding! The kids are so earnest in wanting to succeed and in going along with whatever I throw at them.



I teach in 2 different classes along with Debra and Basya. The ages in the classes stretch from around 6 to 12. Such a big range in one room poses a challenge. Some kids are timid, some don’t understand English, and some rely on mimicking what they see rather than generating their response independently. So far the kids in the classroom support each other, wanting everyone to succeed and participate. The older and more outspoken kids coax the younger ones, making the classroom an eager-to-please, cooperative community.

Anushka is a very expressive
actress! Here she was role
playing feeling angry.

Our focus this week was feelings. Working with the kids to identify and express how they feel will hopefully enhance our communication in the coming weeks. The process was fun, silly, and provided insight into their lives. On Friday, the kids drew themselves feeling an emotion.

This is Reshma. She is very bright and feels a 

proud responsibility for everyone in class. 

She wrote a full sentence in English!

Muscan loves to giggle. She drew herself surrounded by things that make her happy: her mom, her dad, the moon, and flowers.  

Aarif drew himself happy in class
when we come to teach!

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